Bridge Beam Removal to Close PA Turnpike Sunday Morning

KING OF PRUSSIA, PA (12/15/2010)(readMedia)-- The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission cautions motorists that a 7-mile stretch of the Pennsylvania Turnpike will be closed in both directions for six hours this weekend between Bensalem (Exit #351) and Delaware Valley (Exit #358) on I-276 to remove steel girders from the bridge that carries Galloway Road (State Route 2023) over the Turnpike at milepost 353 in Bensalem Township, Bucks County.

At 12:01 a.m. early Sunday, Dec. 19 all eastbound traffic must exit at the Bensalem Interchange and westbound traffic will be diverted off at the Delaware Valley Interchange. Additionally, no traffic will be allowed access to the Turnpike system from Street Road (PA 132) using the new Street Road E-ZPass Only Interchange in Bensalem Township.

In preparation for the shut-down, motorists traveling eastbound should be prepared for the right lane to be closed at 8 p.m. Saturday night (Dec. 18) between mileposts 352-353 while the contractor mobilizes and erects a large crane. The Pennsylvania Turnpike mainline will re-open to traffic by 6 a.m.

Pennsylvania State Police and Turnpike personnel will be positioned at the Bensalem and Delaware Valley interchanges to assist motorists. Motorists can tune to radio 1640 AM for detour information and traffic conditions or call the Turnpike Roadway Information line at 866.976.8747. Changeable message signs will also provide updated information regarding closures and detours and all turnpike travelers are encouraged to plan their travel accordingly. For emergencies, dial *11 on your mobile phone.

DETOURS

• Traveling eastbound on I-276 – All traffic must exit at Bensalem Interchange (#351). Take US Route 1 south to State Route 132 east to US Route 13 north and re-enter the Turnpike at the Delaware Valley Interchange to continue eastbound on I-276.

• Traveling westbound on I-276 – All traffic must exit at Delaware Valley Interchange (#358). Take US Route 13 south to State Route 132 west to US Route 1 north and re-enter the Turnpike at the Bensalem Interchange to continue westbound on I-276.

The Galloway Road Bridge, which crosses above I-276 in Bensalem Township, was closed to traffic on Monday (Nov. 15). A detour will remain in place until the new bridge opens in November 2011.

The Turnpike urges motorists to stay alert and travel at posted speed limits through work zones. Speed limits will be enforced and fines increased. In case of inclement weather, the closure will be rescheduled for early January with times and detour information still applicable.

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is committed to distributing complete, accurate and consistent travel information and providing exceptional customer service. Visit the PA Turnpike website at www.paturnpike.com for project updates. Be in the know before you go and call 866.976 TRIP (866.976.8747).